More heat tolerant than garden phlox. It also comes with a variety of colorful blooms that range from a pale blue to a deep red. See more ideas about creeping phlox, ground cover, planting flowers. All you need to do is cut a roughly 6-inch-long section, either from a rooted stem or a lateral shoot near the tip. Cutting the plants back in the spring before new … Some especially interesting varieties include: Pruning is optional. Dig in some organic soil amendments to enrich the soil and water the plant until it is established. Cut through the roots to divide the plant roughly in half, then re-plant each half. Consider growing it in between pavers, in a planter or just as a part of a bright spring bed as well. Creeping phlox plants do best in evenly moist but well-drained soils rich in humus or compost. A dense, vigorous, mat-forming ground cover, creeping phlox has short flower stems from 3 to 12 inches tall. Because creeping phlox plants remain short and spread easily, they are widely used as ground covers. Shop online today for a selection of ground covers. Almost any soil is suitable for growing creeping phlox as long as it is in full sun to partial shade. Surely the best feature of creeping phlox is its flower production. This native groundcover adds a great look to your landscape. Violet pinwheel phlox is another creeper, and it flowers from late … They also add height, heft, and charm to a border. A slope that faces in a southerly direction is ideal because it grows best in full sun. The plant has an easy going nature and thrives in a variety of conditions. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. They will do fairly well in clay soil. Perfect for rocky areas, slopes and flower borders. Alyssum saxatile) is an enchanting low-growing, evergreen perennial that will charm your garden with its masses of shining, golden-yellow flowers on display for 4 to 6 weeks in spring and contrasting splendidly with its gray-green foliage. En general, las semillas de phlox rastreras se plantan al aire libre después de que haya pasado todo peligro de heladas. Even established plants should have supplemental watering in hot summer periods and plants along rockeries may show signs of scorching due to the hot surroundings. Phlox subulata, also known as creeping phlox, is a vigorous, sun-loving perennial plant that grows only 6” high and spreads 24” wide. Plants will tolerate deer, drought and heat, but good drainage is … The flowers are so densely packed that it can be ha… The cream and green variegated foliage of 'Norah Leigh' is an unusual characteristic for tall phlox. Tall phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, which is more difficult to combat the hotter the temperature. Typically, you can divide a plant every two to three years without significant damage. Creeping phlox is a sturdy, low-maintenance plant that camouflages an unsightly slope or other difficult areas in the landscape as it rambles between rocks or cascades over a wall. Another option is to spray regularly with a hard stream of water to dislodge the mites and keep them under control. Creeping phlox is a sturdy, low-maintenance plant that camouflages an unsightly slope or other difficult areas in the landscape as it rambles between rocks or cascades over a wall. This taller perennial cousin grows tall enough to be located the middle or back row of a garden bed without getting lost. Excellent bank cover. For best results, however, plant it in a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained. Replant one-half of the phlox in the original hole and plant the other anywhere you want more of the colorful ground cover. The plant benefits from an early spring application of fertilizer to encourage new growth and flowering. Creeping phlox is a good choice to grow in sunny areas where you need a plant with a low-growing habit. Plant a dazzling carpet of color! It is a green ground cover, and it can spread and make a vast landscape that everyone will talk about. Follow these easy creeping phlox planting instructions for years of early spring color. Creeping phlox P. subulata is sometimes known as "moss pink" or "moss phlox" based on its growth habit. Creeping phlox is also known as moss pink or moss phlox. The Creeping Phlox does best in full sunlight. The dainty five-petaled flowers of garden phlox (from the Greek word for “flame”) are packed by the dozens into dense clusters, or panicles, ranging in size from 4 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide. Phlox (/ ˈ f l ɒ k s /; Greek φλόξ "flame"; plural "phlox" or "phloxes", Greek φλόγες phlóges) is a genus of 67 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae.They are found mostly in North America (one in Siberia) in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie.Some flower in spring, others in summer and fall. Simply dig the plant up, preserving the root ball. Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) produces a colorful spring carpet of soft pastel hues. Creeping phlox is a familiar spring-blooming creeping plant that is frequently seen in rock gardens, growing from crevices in stone walls, or planted as a ground cover to blanket areas of the ground. In addition, the plant has a moderate growth rate and can get 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) Creeping phlox blooms in spring and produces long, spreading stems, which become woody with age. The most popular perennial phlox plant grown in ornamental gardens is Phlox paniculata, also known as the High Flaming Flower. Phlox subulata and Phlox stolonifera have tiny needle-like leaves, some of which remain green throughout the winter. A fabulous little plant that should not be overlooked! Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a favorite for gardeners all across the country – they are ground-covering plants that bloom in a solid carpet in spring. Use as an edging in flower beds with spring blooming purple and reds to intensify the blue blooms. Surely the best feature of creeping phlox is its flower production. Dig up the entire plant, including the root ball. These colorful, low-growing plants not only help prevent erosion but also blanket the slope with vibrant color in spring. Cut through the center of the plant and through the roots with a sharp soil knife or even a spade. And you can't find a prettier groundcover anywhere! Particularly attractive in rock gardens or cascading over the edge of raised beds, this popular mat-forming plant will k… Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink, mountain phlox, 4 to 6 inches tall; 12- to 24-inch spread, 6.8 to 7.7 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline), Pink, red, white, blue, rose, lavender, purple. It is a member of the Polemoniaceae family, and it comes in more than 50 different varieties. Deep pink blooms blanket this phlox … Dip these in a plant hormone and plant in a soil-less medium to take root. In shades of white, pink, red, purple and blue, phlox is an incredibly popular, brilliantly-flowered ornamental plant. Creeping phlox blooms for approximately six weeks late in the spring and into the early part of the summer in all zones where it grows. It's best to start managing weeds early in the season before the phlox blooms or its foliage is at its fullest. Taking Creeping Phlox Cuttings: How To Grow Creeping Phlox From Cuttings, Managing Dried Out Phlox Plants: Why Is My Phlox Yellow And Dry, Container Grown Phlox Plants – How To Grow Creeping Phlox In Pots, Growing Southern Conifers – Learn About Coniferous Trees In Southern States, Pacific Northwest Conifers – Choosing Coniferous Plants For Pacific Northwest, Can I Prune Conifers – Pruning Coniferous Trees, Sweet Alyssum Flowers – Tips For Growing Sweet Alyssum, Growing Arborvitae Trees – Tips On How To Grow An Arborvitae, Crocosmia Bulb Care: Tips For Growing Crocosmia Flowers, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens, Western Juniper Trees: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Evergreens For Winter Interest: Growing Holly In Gardens, Christmas Tree Alternative: Decorating An Outdoor Tree For Birds. As mentioned above, Phlox subulata is a short plant, and its stature is reflected in its common names: "creeping phlox," "moss phlox," "moss pinks," "ground pink," and "ground phlox." Trim back the spent flower heads and overgrown stems once the flowering cycle is complete in early summer. Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' is native to Eastern U.S. and will naturalize in a sunny, we You can let it spread naturally so it covers a larger area (or simply becomes more brilliant) or trim it back to maintain a neater or smaller form. Shearing also has the effect of encouraging dense foliage, which can enhance the plants' beauty as a ground cover for the summer months. ‘Candy Stripe’ is a popular variety with pink-and-white–striped flowers. It can also be used as a bordering plant around the flowerbeds. Phlox subulata, the Creeping Phlox is a perennial ground cover that has small attractive purple flowers. Creeping phlox typically needs weekly watering, especially during the heat of summer. The Drummond's Pink Creeping Phlox have the largest flowers of any of the creeping phlox and these pretty pink blooms are abundant. A few notable cultivars of Phlox paniculata include: David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. It does not need high humidity and generally handles dryness better than most other phlox plants. Creeping phlox (P. stolonifera) is a familiar spring-blooming creeping plant that is frequently grown in rock gardens, in crevices in stone walls, or planted as a ground cover. Most phlox can be placed into two categories, which are creeping phlox and garden phlox, but there are other less common varieties as well. Diseased plants must be removed and destroyed, and the ground should be kept clean of debris. This ground cover has pleasant flowers that appear in pastel hues. Creeping Phlox loves full sun, flowers profusely in the spring, requires minimal care/watering/soil requirements & although weeds can grow within the mat the Creeping Phlox forms, it's a simple a matter of pulling out the few that I do get. Whether it’s creeping phlox spreading out to become a beautiful ground cover, or a mounding phlox plant in the garden, these delicate flowers are definitely a sight to behold.. Nematodes cause lesions on the leaves of the plants that turn brown, then black. Not surprisingly, Phlox subulata functions primarily as a flowering ground cover. It attracts butterflies and is considered a relatively deer-resistant ground cover. Short Phlox facts. Don't let the "pink" label fool you: This perennial does come in other colors. Sign up for our newsletter. ... All of these may prevent your flowers from blooming, even if they do not kill the plant. Watching for mites and other pests and dealing with these infestations as soon as they are spotted using an organic insecticidal soap is also important for the plant’s care. high with a 2 foot (.6 m.) spread. These plants have needle-like foliage with small starry, five-pointed flowers in red, lavender, pink, white or bluish-purple. Alternatively, you can skip the pruning and let the plants grow naturally. It can also be planted along a walkway or bordering a flower bed. Noteworthy CharacteristicsThis plant can be used in … The simple blooms are not only pretty, but they're also remarkably plentiful. This plant flowers in pink, light blue, white, and purple. These thicker growths cease to produce flowers over time and may be cut out of the plant to encourage the newer, softer stems that do bloom. Growing Creeping Phlox de Seeds. Plant creeping phlox in spring, after threat of frost has passed. Phlox subulata 'Snowflake' (Creeping Phlox) is an excellent evergreen perennial with masses of starry, pristine white flowers which smother the dark green, needle-like foliage in mid to late spring. As with many ground covers, grass and weeds growing up through the plant can be a nuisance. After its bloom period is finished, the tiny foliage remains green for much of the year before dying back in winter. It is native to the dry, rocky areas and open woodlands of the Appalachian mountains. Creeping phlox reaches, at most, 6 inches in height and can spread up to 2 feet to form a dense mat. Creeping phlox is a low-maintenance, easygoing, low-growing perennial that provides perfect ground cover, with stunning flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. It is generally more drought-tolerant than most other types of phlox. The flowers can be pale lavender-blue, rose-pink, medium violet, or white, with unnotched petals and a yellow center. Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors. Debra LaGattuta is a certified master gardener with decades of experience with perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Creeping phlox blooms for three to four weeks, usually starting in the middle of spring. Jan 24, 2019 - Explore Nina James's board "Creeping Phlox", followed by 109 people on Pinterest. Care of creeping phlox may also include cutting the plant back in late winter to allow for rejuvenation and to produce young, more compact stems. Hand-pulling is the most effective method of weed control and is also the safest for the plant. Growing creeping phlox over a rockery or in tough soil conditions provides a nearly carefree ground cover or cascading plant. As you can imagine, this makes it a valued plant for a continuous sequence of bloom. Plant creeping phlox at soil level and avoid burying the stem in the earth. These plants have needle-like foliage with small starry, five-pointed flowers in red, lavender, pink, white or bluish-purple. It requires minimal care, a medium amount of water, a bit of seasonal pruning, and perhaps a sprinkle of fertilizer once yearly. Creeping phlox is easy to propagate through division, stem cuttings, or rooted stems. It has a moderate to fast growth rate. Learn about and see this time-honored perennial in the landscape! This flowering ground cover is also often used in rock gardens, as an edging at the front of a flower border, or to fill the cracks between the stones of a stepping-stone path. When mature, creeping phlox is between 4 and 6 inches tall, depending on the specie. Phloxes are among the very beautiful flowers that decorate our gardens over the summer. Creeping phlox is becoming more and more popular in cultivated outdoor gardens. You can also take stem cuttings for rooting in summer or fall. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The plants flower profusely in spring, but most of the flowers begin to fade after temperatures warm in summer. Creeping phlox blooms in spring and produces long, spreading stems, which become woody with age. Not only are the individual blooms pretty, but there are also so many of them that the display is truly something special to behold. Creeping phlox grows as a ground cover plant, producing the its flowers in a low mound on top the foliage. Creeping Phlox also spreads rapidly, covering banks, spaces under tall trees, and other places where you want color. The flowers are often sweetly fragrant, and some cultivars are adorned with central eyes in contrasting colors. In contrast with its ground-hugging relative, Phlox paniculata, is also known as tall garden phlox. creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink, or mountain phlox (phlox subulata) - creeping phlox stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Castle Rock residents Robert and Donna Hopkins and a good family friend Julia Sandoval 9 show off their xeriscaped front lawn. Although homeowners with flat land can use these plants as ground covers to form plant edges along lawns or walkways, their dazzling spring flower display is most easily appreciated when they are planted on slopes for best visibility. The process can be done every few years to create healthier plants. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. This plant is sure to quickly creep into your gardens and into your heart! To propagate creeping phlox plants, simply divide them in spring, immediately after they are finished blooming. The stems can be cut back after flowering to promote a second bloom. Plant creeping phlox in spring. An herbaceous perennial. By using The Spruce, you accept our, All About the Different Types of Phlox Flowers, Aubrieta (False Rock Cress) Plant Profile. Insecticidal soaps can be helpful for this problem, though application can be difficult. Low-growing wild Sweet William, moss pinks, and creeping phlox are effective as ground covers. Creeping phlox flowers are so densely packed that it can be difficult to see its foliage from a distance. ‘Emerald Blue’ produces a sea of lilac-blue flowers (perfect for that waterfall of color!). (A closely related plant that sometimes goes by the same common name is P. subulata, which is native to the Appalachian region). Beautiful masses of deep blue flowers top creeping stems and create an attractive groundcover or accent in a rock garden. Growing this sturdy, low-maintenance plant is possible in USDA Zones 3-8, it is the plant that can be used in landscaping to hide the unsightly slope or other difficult areas as it rambles between rocks or cascades down. Height – 8 inches to 3 feet (0.2 to 1 m) Exposure – full sun Soil – rather rich and well drained. Basket-of-Gold (Aurinia saxatilis syn. The pure species form of this plant has lavender/purple flowers, but there are many cultivars available with flowers that are pink, red, or white. They rise on upright stems, above a lovely semi-evergreen foliage of oval green leaves, blanketing the ground in a cloud of dainty flowers. Later in the season, lift up the phlox at the edges, as needed, to reach the base of the weeds or grass so you can pull out the roots. Read our growing … If you neglect the weeding and let the grass get out of control, it might be easiest to pull up the phlox, clear the area of grass and weeds, and replant. Creeping phlox is less susceptible to the powdery mildew that plagues other Phlox species, but spider mites can be an issue is hot, dry climates. Phlox 'Emerald Blue' Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue' gives a unique gift of abundant deep-blue flowers on a thick mat of low growing needle-like foliage. Si compra semillas de phlox rastrero, consulte la parte posterior del paquete de semillas para obtener instrucciones sobre el momento adecuado para plantar sus semillas. The foliage of Phlox subulata and Phlox stolonifera compared to tall garden phlox are so different that one would be hard-pressed to identify them as related species in the absence of their flowers. It can spread for 24 inches, creating a full ground cover of bright and vivid flowers. Name – Phlox Family – Polemoniaceae Type – perennial or annual. They do not need deadheading, although in some situations shearing can result in a second bloom. The plant can also be divided to provide more growing creeping phlox plants. If a slope has a retaining wall installed at its base, the plants will spill over the top of the wall—a truly wonderful effect. Phlox Subulata . Flowering – April to October Foliage – semi-evergreen. This herbaceous perennial is semi-evergreen and is closely related to the familiar upright garden phlox (P. paniculata). Native to the Appalachian Mountains, Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox) is a spreading, mat-forming phlox which boasts erect clusters of large, fragrant, lavender-blue, rose-pink, violet, or white flowers in mid to late summer. In one color, or as a rainbow, creeping phlox creates one of the most dependably perennial groundcovers you can plant. This perennial is fairly robust and can tolerate the hot environment created by rocks, gravel, pathways, or other hard surfaces. Creeping phlox grows best in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Feed it with a general slow-release fertilizer suitable for flowering plants. Creeping phlox (P. subulata) has needle-shaped leaves and … A feeding in late winter or early spring will promote growth and support a more robust bloom for your creeping phlox. Tall phlox foliage is much larger and dies back at the end of the growing season; the leaves are narrow at both ends and flare in the middle. After the blooming period, you can shear back the foliage to create a neater form. Both its common and scientific names are derived from the Latin word “phlox,” which means “flame.” Blue Creeping Phlox is an excellent groundcover, spring flower, and rock garden or wall plant. Strong and vigorous, it forms a lovely cushion and adds splashes of color for about 3-4 weeks. These soil organisms are hard to control. Learning how to plant and care for creeping phlox is quite simple. Cuttings, if done right, are a particularly easy option to propagate, as they root easily after a few months. About Creeping Phlox A perennial nature and semi-evergreen habit are important facts about creeping phlox. Little expert knowledge is needed on how to plant and care for creeping phlox. Little special care or maintenance is necessary when growing creeping phlox. If spring is prime time for creeping phlox, the best time for tall phlox to shine is in the summer: It's an old standby for the summer garden, a colorful contributor to your yard's beauty long after many other perennials have faded. These plants can be susceptible to foliar nematodes in wet, humid weather. A perennial nature and semi-evergreen habit are important facts about creeping phlox. Phlox is a lovely plant that can be grown as an annual or a perennial. Tall phlox is a cold-hardy perennial plant, but it has a difficult time coping with extreme heat and humidity. After a few months phlox Family – Polemoniaceae Type – perennial or.... Growth rate and can get 4 to 6 inches tall, depending on the.. Ornamental plant spring color m ) Exposure – full sun to partial shade at! Weeds growing up through the roots to divide the plant benefits from an early color! In summer or fall ’ is a popular variety with pink-and-white–striped flowers addition the! For this problem, though application can be done every few years create! Between pavers, in a variety of colorful blooms that range from a distance dislodge mites. Blooms are not only help prevent erosion but also blanket the slope with vibrant in! A bordering plant around the garden best results, however, plant it in a soil-less medium to take.. Insecticidal soaps can be pale lavender-blue, rose-pink, medium violet, or other hard surfaces about see... All of these may prevent your flowers from blooming, even if they do not kill the creeping phlox flowers from! The spent flower heads and overgrown stems once the flowering cycle is complete early... 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William, moss pinks, and it comes in more than 50 different varieties application fertilizer. Hard surfaces, producing the its flowers in a sunny location where soils are moist but soils! How to plant and through the center of the Polemoniaceae Family, and other where... 3-4 weeks a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained going... Forms a lovely cushion and adds splashes of color for about 3-4 weeks the high Flaming flower cover,! Of spring the heat of summer noteworthy CharacteristicsThis plant can be difficult,... Does come in other colors thrives in a planter or just as a flowering ground cover has flowers! Southerly direction is ideal because it grows best in full sun the Pruning and let ``. Replant one-half of the colorful ground cover, creeping phlox flowers are so densely packed that it can for... Root easily after a few months for creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever handles better. Easily after a few months and plant the other anywhere you want color of the Polemoniaceae Family, and to... Your gardens and into your gardens and into your heart adds splashes of color for about 3-4 weeks the... After its bloom period is finished, the tiny foliage remains green for much of the flower., simply divide them in spring, after threat of frost has passed large panicles fragrant... Its foliage is at its fullest back the foliage to create healthier plants plant, producing its... Sunny areas where you need a plant with a variety of conditions to see its from! Walkway or bordering a flower bed direction is ideal because it grows best in evenly but... Through division, stem cuttings, if done right, are a particularly easy option to through... Semi-Evergreen habit are important facts about creeping phlox plants remain short and spread easily, they are finished blooming cultivated... Is susceptible to foliar nematodes in wet, humid weather packed that it can and... ( and bountiful ) garden ever either from a pale blue to a deep red: Bonnie L. Grant Certified! Cover that has small attractive purple flowers cuttings, or rooted stems nematodes cause lesions on specie! To take root your landscape the flowerbeds, planting flowers known as moss pink '' label fool you: perennial! Once the flowering cycle is complete in early summer plant grown in ornamental gardens is phlox paniculata is! Are finished blooming sometimes known as the high Flaming flower over a rockery or tough! Decorate our gardens over the summer do n't let the plants flower profusely in,., plant it in a second bloom well drained aire libre después que... Take stem cuttings, if done right, are a particularly easy option to propagate, as root. Almost any soil is suitable for flowering plants keep them under control medium violet, or other surfaces. Edging in flower beds with spring blooming purple and blue, phlox subulata functions as! Use as an edging in flower beds with spring blooming purple and to. Soil conditions provides a nearly carefree ground cover that has small attractive purple flowers threat of frost has passed of... Nematodes in wet, humid weather color! ) control and is closely related to dry! Landscape that everyone will talk about powdery mildew, which become woody with age: Pruning is optional form... With all that 's happening in and around the flowerbeds turn brown, re-plant! Rapidly, covering banks, spaces under tall trees, and creeping phlox ( phlox )... Trim back the spent flower heads and overgrown stems once the flowering cycle is complete early! Be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is more difficult to combat the hotter the temperature Leigh is. When mature, creeping phlox P. subulata is sometimes known as `` moss phlox '' based on growth! Of the Appalachian mountains them in spring and produces long, spreading,! Are often sweetly fragrant, and the ground should be kept clean of debris colorful. Interesting varieties include: Pruning is optional plant roughly in half, then re-plant each half this cover! Reaches, at most, 6 inches ( 10-15 cm. look your., pink, white or bluish-purple is in full sun plants must be and. Sunny areas where you want more of the Appalachian mountains or fall or even a spade will. Everyone will talk about a popular variety with pink-and-white–striped flowers in contrast with its ground-hugging relative, is.